Regional Policy Inforegio - Evaluation of Cohesion Policy - Ex Post Evaluation obj 1 & 2 (2000-2006)

Evaluations of the 2007-2013 programming period

Promotion of gender equality, non-discrimination and accessibility for disabled persons

( Study on the Translation of Article 16 of Regulation EC 1083/2006 for Cohesion policy programmes 2007-2013 co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund )

Article 16 is an innovation in the 2007-2013 period and requires that gender equality, non-discrimination and accessibility for disabled persons shall be taken into account in all stages of implementation. The actual effects of its integration in the programmes remain to be seen given the early stage of programming.
Main findings

The evaluation found a good overall awareness of the Article 16 requirements in programmes supported by the ERDF (explicit reference in 64% of the programmes analysed)
In most cases (70%), Member States consider equal opportunities as horizontal priorities and do not devote attention in separate strategies or priority axes. In 22% of the examined programmes the three themes appear as declarative statement without clear targets, relevant selection criteria or obligations in terms of monitoring. Only 8% of the programmes integrate the three themes in a comprehensive strategy with clear identification of problems and quantified targets.
Unequal emphasis of the three themes: most attention is devoted to gender equality (70%), followed by non-discrimination. Accessibility for disabled has the weakest emphasis (accessibility requirements are usually defined in national legislation).
The target groups for "non-discrimination" differ across Member States: in EU12 it's mostly ethnic minority groups, particularly the Roma, while in EU15 it is more about women, migrants and elderly.
The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund promote equal opportunities in: SME support, public transport infrastructure, social infrastructure (child care facilities). However, other policies that can potentially promote equal opportunities through these funds were identified: (R&D, ICT integration in SMEs; cross-border cooperation through integration of cross border labour markets; tourism and culture services for disabled, health infrastructure, urban regeneration especially in remote areas, etc.)
Experience built upon previous programming periods has contributed to address better equal opportunities in the current programmes. However, in many cases there is a risk of a formal approach stating the problems without a clear vision of how to adequately deal with them.

Recommendations

The evaluators recommend Managing Authorities to review their performance in integrating the three themes into their programmes by using this Self-assessment guide, specifically designed for them.
In order to improve accessibility for disabled, Member States could make accessibility to all venues, infrastructures, transport, technologies and services an explicit compliance requirement for project selection.
The case studies revealed sufficient involvement of bodies and NGOs working on equal opportunities. Member States are encouraged to empower relevant stakeholders to play even more active role in programme implementation through Technical Assistance budget or specific projects.

Documents